Frankie Bendell sums up her year here …
How to sum up my year in 400 words?! Challenges spring to mind! This year has been full of challenges, both good and bad:
C – COMFORT ZONE – I have been pushed out of my comfort zone for practically the entire year, which initially was a very daunting aspect. However, I have learnt throughout the year that having a faith is about taking risks so I know that embracing the challenges has helped my faith grow.
H – HIGHLIGHTS – My highlights of the year – there have been so many. Here are a few: Diamond Times; encountering God; the Light Party; building relationships; youth groups; St Mary’s, Longfleet (New Wine Discipleship Year) … the list goes on!
A – ANXIETY – At the start of the year my anxiety levels were really very high and had got to the point where attending church created too much anxiety. I can honestly say that this year has increased my confidence massively and I now look forward to coming to church each week. My anxiety is still there, but it is certainly loads better than it was.
L – LEADERSHIP – The leadership team have come alongside me this year through so much and have helped me to become the person I am today. They have given me so many opportunities which I have learnt so much from.
L – LEARNT– I have learnt so many things this year: life skills; ‘Prayer not panic, worship not worry’; organising a mission trip; having a relationship with God is the best thing you could ever ask for; and lots more.
E – ENERGY – Some may say I have too much energy at times; let’s just say I can increase the noise levels in the office quite easily, thereby creating a bit of a distraction from the task in hand. But from someone who started with very little confidence, I think we can safely say that the year has been extremely beneficial.
G – GOALS – Reaching our Uganda fundraising goal was beyond my expectation and I cannot thank everyone enough who has supported us. From the very beginning of organising the trip, it has been very evident that God has been part of it all, making it all so very exciting!
E – EXAMS – As many of you will already know, I am hoping to start university (Winchester – Primary Teaching) in September. In order for this to occur, I have re-taken some of my Maths A-level exams this year. Whatever happens, I know I have tried my very best.
S – SUPPORTED BY ST SAVIOUR’S – Thank you so much to everyone at St Saviour’s – I have had the most amazing year! I’m afraid I am planning on commuting to Uni which means I will be hoping to stick around at St Saviour’s for at least a few more years!
I hope I haven’t been too much of a challenge for you all!
Thanks again for everything!
Frankie
